Ccos Free Educational Resources For Medical Coding Professionals

CCO (Credentialing Coders Organization) offers a comprehensive range of free educational resources for medical coding and billing professionals. Established in 1999, CCO has built a reputation for providing valuable training materials and certification preparation resources. This article explores the various free offerings available through CCO's website, including Continuing Education Units (CEUs), practice exams, community access, educational reports, and webinar opportunities.

Free Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

Continuing Education Units are essential for maintaining professional certifications in the medical coding field. CCO provides several ways for professionals to earn free CEUs.

The CCO Academy Community offers two free AAPC and QPro CEUs to members who sign up. To access these CEUs, interested individuals must submit a form on the CCO website and wait approximately 5 minutes to receive a welcome email. It is important to use real names and email addresses when signing up, as fake, initialed, or vanity names will be deleted. Once registered, members can login and access the Free CEU area where they can watch replay videos and complete CEU quizzes. A minimum score of 70% is required to pass and receive a CEU certificate that can be printed or downloaded. These CEUs are accepted by both AAPC and AHIMA due to their reciprocal agreement.

CCO also offers one free AAPC CEU for attending their live Monthly Q&A Webinars. This additional CEU opportunity provides another avenue for medical coding professionals to maintain their certification requirements without incurring costs.

The organization emphasizes that there are no catches or hidden fees associated with these free CEU offerings. According to CCO, these free educational resources are their way of giving back to the community and building rapport with certified coders, with the hope that participants will recommend their services to colleagues.

Free Community Access and Support

CCO provides free community access through the CCO Academy Community, which was formerly called the "Free Forum." Signing up for this community requires submitting a form on their website, with users allowing up to 15 minutes to receive a welcome email containing login details.

Membership in the CCO Academy Community includes several benefits beyond the free CEUs. Members gain access to a network of fellow medical coding professionals, opportunities for networking, and resources to support their professional development. The community serves as a platform for knowledge sharing and peer support in the medical coding field.

CCO also offers a weekly support call as part of their course and Blitz packages. These support sessions allow participants to get help on any topics related to medical coding courses or Blitz materials, providing additional value to those preparing for certification or looking to enhance their coding skills.

Free Practice Exams and Study Materials

For medical coding professionals preparing for certification exams, CCO offers a variety of free practice exams. These practice exams are designed to help individuals assess their knowledge and identify areas for improvement before taking the actual certification tests.

The available free practice exams include: - CPC® Practice Exam - COC® Practice Exam - CPB® Practice Exam - CRC® Practice Exam - ICD-10-CM Practice Exam - ICD-10-CM Guidelines Practice Exams

These practice exams mirror the format and content of the actual certification exams, providing valuable experience with the types of questions and time constraints that test-takers will encounter. By utilizing these free resources, aspiring certified medical coders can build confidence and increase their chances of passing on the first attempt.

In addition to practice exams, CCO provides various free study materials and job aids to support medical coding education. These resources include: - CPT modifier decision grid available in the cco.us "Freebies" section - E&M Audit Tools for different healthcare settings - Cardiac Catheterization Coding Answer Sheet - Administration of Contrast Job Aid Tool - Wound Measurement and Repair resources

These materials are designed to help coding professionals navigate complex coding scenarios and ensure accurate documentation and billing.

Free Webinars and Educational Events

CCO hosts regular free webinars and educational events to keep medical coding professionals updated on industry changes and best practices. These events are broadcast live and are accessible to the public, though members may receive additional benefits such as handouts, CEUs, and support.

The organization presents weekly webinars on multiple platforms including YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn. These webinars cover a wide range of topics related to medical coding, medical billing, risk adjustment, and other relevant subjects. The weekly schedule provides consistent opportunities for professionals to expand their knowledge and stay current with industry developments.

In addition to weekly sessions, CCO conducts live Monthly Q&A Webinars where participants can have their specific questions addressed by experts. These sessions not only provide educational value but also offer the opportunity to earn a free AAPC CEU, as previously mentioned.

CCO also hosts live events exclusively for CCO Club members, who pay less than $25 per month. While the basic webinars are free to the public, club members receive additional benefits including handouts, CEUs, and dedicated support, making it a cost-effective option for serious coding professionals seeking comprehensive educational resources.

Free Reports and Educational Resources

CCO offers a variety of free reports and educational resources for medical coding professionals and students. By joining their community, individuals gain access to valuable materials that can help them advance their careers and improve their coding skills.

The available free reports include: - How to Become a Certified Medical Coder - How to Prepare For Your First Medical Coding Test - How to Get Started in the Lucrative Medical Coding Field - Failed the Coding Exam? - A Guide to Next Steps - A Step-by-Step Guide to Understanding EM Coding - Test Your Practice Management IQ

These reports provide practical guidance for individuals at various stages of their medical coding careers, from beginners to those seeking to advance their professional standing.

In addition to reports, CCO offers several job aids and tools to assist with daily coding tasks. These resources are designed to increase accuracy and efficiency in coding work, helping professionals maintain compliance with coding guidelines and payer requirements.

Conclusion

CCO provides an impressive array of free educational resources for medical coding and billing professionals. From free CEUs and practice exams to community access, webinars, and educational reports, these offerings support professional development and help individuals maintain their certifications without incurring significant costs.

The organization's commitment to free education stems from its long-standing presence in the field (established in 1999) and its desire to give back to the medical coding community. By providing these resources, CCO not only supports individual professionals but also contributes to the overall quality and accuracy of medical coding practices.

For medical coding professionals looking to enhance their knowledge, prepare for certification, or maintain their credentials, CCO's free resources represent valuable opportunities for growth. The combination of structured learning materials, community support, and regular educational events creates a comprehensive ecosystem for professional development in the medical coding field.

Sources

1. Free CCO Academy
2. Free CEU
3. Free Tools and Reports
4. Medical Coding Resources
5. CCO Proven Process
6. CCO Free Forum
7. CCO Insider